Microsoft burning the Open Source bridge

By apexwm, 17 February, 2011 19:01

Microsoft has a deep history of trying to undermine open source software, and companies that use open source software. Companies that use the GNU/Linux operating system and supporting software have been targeted with various software patent lawsuits. Yet, Microsoft has publicly stated that it fully supports open source. But its actions continue to show distaste for it.

Today I read a blog post mentioning Microsoft's agreement for submitting applications to the Windows Phone Marketplace. Deep inside this agreement, there are specific clauses that mention applications governed by the GNU General Public License v3 are not allowed. I cracked open the document from Microsoft's website to verify this was in fact true, and it is.

So here we have in plain print, that Microsoft wants nothing to do with GPL (GNU General Public License) with Windows Phone. The GPL promotes open and free software, as it encourages many individuals to contribute to produce a single and quality product. There are thousands upon thousands of quality applications for different platforms (Linux, Windows, Android, Mac OSX, etc.) that fall under the GPL and are very well done. The GNU/Linux operating system itself falls under the GPL. So essentially, Microsoft is thumbing its nose at open source applications and closing the door on them. This essentially hurts the customer, as free and open applications will not be allowed to be downloaded to their phone through the Marketplace.

I would only have to assume that Microsoft extends these same feelings to their Windows operating systems on PC hardware as well. And this is one of many reasons I choose GNU/Linux over Windows. Not only does Microsoft govern and control the way users use its software, but they limit the software as well. The GPL ensures that you are not going to be limited or controlled by one entity, and that the software remains open and free for all users to use, study, distribute, learn, and tinker with. Ultimately, it opposes putting limits on software as Microsoft likes to do.

 

Talkback

This news is an hoax.
Read this:
http://ftw.im/cp

Someone that really hates M$, for the way GPLv3 works, could ask Microsoft for the code of the Marketplace and the WP7 device in case they accept an app whose code is covered by a GPLv3 license.
I guess this is the same reason why VLC has been removed from the app store...
delfinof 17 February, 2011 19:40
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I wouldn't call this a hoax, it's just non-news and a poorly chosen title and stance. Microsoft has most likely put this in there Agreement to keep GPL out of their app store because they apply DRM to all of their apps (just like Apple), which is in direct violation of the GPL License. Think of it more as a reminder to not submit GPL protected apps to their market since they will most likely be removed if they make it.
JNevill 17 February, 2011 20:04
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Thanks for your comments. I'd just like to note that this is not a news story; it's an opinion blog posted by a member of the ZDNet UK community like yourselves. If you'd like to contribute a blog post of your own, you are welcome to do so!

Karen
Karen Friar 17 February, 2011 22:53
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delfinof : Submitting an app to the Marketplace requires development of the app either way. Whether the app falls under the GPL or not, should not be a factor on whether the app makes its way into the Marketplace. If VLC was an app and was removed, that would only back up my point. VLC is a very well known media player because of its easy install and cross-platform compatibility, as well as full of features. Taking something like this away is only hurting customers, in my opinion.

JNevill : In my opinion DRM is great for those that need to control the software and the way users can run it. The GPL avoids this and for good reason. However, blocking all apps still seems the wrong thing to me. An app can fall under the GPL, and not have anything to do with digital media (and therefore should not be a victim of DRM).
apexwm 18 February, 2011 01:51
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UPDATE: Microsoft may be backpeddling on its decision (again without surprise, they've made bold decisions many times in the past, only to retract based on public outcry):

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-mulls-changing-windows-phone-marketplace-terms-to-add-more-open-source-licenses/8743?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+zdnet%2Fmicrosoft+%28ZDNet+All+About+Microsoft%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo
apexwm 18 February, 2011 17:54
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Basically, this is the equivalent of General Motors telling me I can't use my car to drive to the local AutoZone and purchase an air filter that isn't AC Delco. Why, do we as consumers, allow this to happen? I use Windows at work because I have no other choice. And, unfortunately, I must admit that Windows uses my computers hardware better than Linux (or any other operating system for that matter.) But I don't care. At home I run Ubuntu and Knoppix. And I love Open Source software. It works as well, and usually better than anything else that's available. Show me a commercial software program that works as well as VLC Media player. It's stable, solid, and easy to use and it plays everything. Consumers are the sheep that go wherever the Microsoft (or Apple) dog chases them.
NessMN 21 February, 2011 16:08
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NessMN: We don't have to allow this to happen. I think it's up to us to just remove software that does this, and use open and free software instead. Open source has already proven itself, and gets better and better with each new version. It's already been at the enterprise grade for a long time, it's all up to the users to make the switch.
apexwm 15 March, 2011 17:02
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